Yvonne J. "Gracie" Henrickson

Yvonne “Gracie” Henrickson, age 84, of Two Rivers, passed away peacefully with family at her bedside on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the Aurora Medical Center - Manitowoc County.

Yvonne Joan Henrickson was born May 4, 1939, in Stangleville, WI,  to Marvin and Pauline (Burdick) Graycarek.  She spent most of her life in the city of Two Rivers and graduated from Washington High School in 1957.  She continued her education pursuing a nursing career and earning her RN certification in 1960 from Misericordia School of Nursing in Milwaukee, WI. She was united in marriage on February 4, 1961, to Leonard “Lenny” Henrickson at St.Luke’s Catholic Church, Two Rivers.

Yvonne began her professional career in 1960 as an RN, at Memorial Hospital, Manitowoc, WI.,  where she worked for 10 years. She then worked at Two Rivers’ Community Hospital for the next 30 years, working in various nursing areas including Emergency RN and as Supervisor of the OB Unit.  During her tenure, she achieved her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay in 1990.  She completed her career in 2004 at Two Rivers Aurora Hospital where she retired her service of 44 years in a profession she held dear to her heart.  During her years as an RN, Yvonne was a member of the Nursing Association of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  She was also the co-chairperson for the Lakeshore Chapter and member of the Wisconsin Association of Prenatal Care, Southeast Wisconsin Nurses Managers, Wisconsin Council of Nurse Managers, and the Kappa Pi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, an International Honor Society.  Yvonne was a member of the advisory team that helped design the new OB unit at the Two Rivers Aurora Hospital. In retirement, Yvonne continued her community service at voting facilities during elections.

Yvonne loved to be with people, spending time volunteering and bringing joy to their lives.  She warmed hearts and put countless smiles on faces through her community service, music, and art.  She was an accomplished accordion player bringing joy to her family and friends. She also entertained at various nursing homes throughout Manitowoc County. Other interests included creating beautiful greeting cards, knitting, sewing, scrapbooking, playing cards, golfing, bowling, gardening and reading. Yvonne enjoyed summers at the family cottage in Door County where she liked boating, waterskiing, tubing, fishing and sitting around a camp fire sharing laughs and entertaining family and friends on her accordion. She will be sadly missed, but her beautiful memories will live on in all of us.

She is survived by her four sons: Brian (Brenda) Henrickson of Two Rivers, Dale Henrickson of Two Rivers, David (Claudia) Henrickson of Green Bay and Mark (Becky Beatty) Henrickson of Two Rivers. There are five grandchildren: Jamie (Dustin) Neubauer, Jennifer Glaser, Nicole (Luke King) Henrickson, Dylan (Claire Odmark) Henrickson and Alyssa Henrickson. There are seven great-grandchildren: Brenna Jensen, Austin Vanderveren, Aidyn and Aubrey Glaser, Wren and Wesley King and Quinn Neubauer. There are four step-grandchildren: Kassie Ahlswede, Katie (Jake) Wilsmann, Emma Burbey, Mykelyn Beatty and four step great-grandchildren: Coltin Ahlswede, Kaylee and Calvin Wilsmann and Ryder Ducat.  She is survived by five sisters: Sandy Niepodziany of Manitowoc, Bonnie Jonas of Mishicot, Alana Matheys of Woodbury, MN, Jean Lyons of Pewaukee and Teri (Tom) Korinek of Reedsville; one sister-in-law: Nancy Orchekowski of Two Rivers; two brothers-in-law: Thomas (Jeannie) Henrickson of Two Rivers and Philip  (Cheryl Pinney-Leu) Henrickson of Mishicot; along with one uncle: Paul Burdick of Mishicot; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews and great-grand-nieces and nephews.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband, Lenny, on June 20, 2022.
In honor of Yvonne’s wishes, cremation has occurred and a private family gathering was held.  Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, Two Rivers, assisted the Henrickson family with funeral arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting this email [email protected] .
Yvonne’s family wishes to send a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Aurora Hospital,  Aurora Hospice Care and the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) for the care shown to Yvonne and guidance and assistance to her family.